Paediatric Physio: Supporting Every Stage of Childhood Development
Every child grows, learns and moves at their own pace. While many differences are simply part of normal development, there are times when a little extra support can help children build confidence, overcome challenges and thrive.
Perhaps a toddler isn’t quite meeting their milestones, a school-aged child seems unusually clumsy, or a young athlete keeps picking up the same injury. Often, parents aren’t sure whether it’s something to worry about, or whether they should simply wait and see.
That’s where paediatric physiotherapy can help.
At St Leonards Physiotherapy, our experienced paediatric team provides a welcoming, supportive space, specifically for kids, where families can ask questions, gain reassurance and access practical, evidence-based care. We work with babies, children and teenagers, helping with developmental delays, coordination, balance, sporting injuries, posture, strength and more; all through engaging, age-appropriate treatment that’s tailored to each child.
Sometimes the biggest difference comes from identifying a small issue early, giving children the confidence and skills they need to keep doing the things they love.
Whether you’re navigating your own child’s development or simply looking out for someone you care about, it’s reassuring to know that friendly, expert support is available close to home
Worth a Listen: Rethinking Osteoporosis with Professor Belinda Beck
If you’ve ever been told that osteoporosis means avoiding lifting weights or simply “being careful”, this podcast might surprise you.
Professor Belinda Beck, whose groundbreaking research led to the development of the ONERO program, recently joined The Proof with Simon Hill to discuss why the right kind of strength training can actually help build stronger bones and reduce fracture risk.
It’s a fascinating conversation that unpacks the science behind bone health, dispels some long-held myths, and explains why exercise has become such an important part of osteoporosis management.
Whether you’ve been diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia, have a family history of bone loss, or simply want to stay strong and active as you age, it’s well worth a listen.
Search for “The Proof with Simon Hill – Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis with Professor Belinda Beck” wherever you get your podcasts or at the link below:
Achilles Pain?
Don’t Make This Common Mistake.
Many runners assume Achilles pain just needs a bit of rest. Unfortunately, that’s often what keeps the problem hanging around.
If your Achilles is stiff in the morning, sore after exercise, or flaring up every time you increase your training, our latest blog explains what’s really going on and why building strength, not avoiding movement, is the key to lasting recovery.
Read the full blog on our website to discover the signs of Achilles tendinopathy and the simple strategies that can help you get back to doing what you love.
The Education Quarter
Heart to Heart
What puts your cardiovascular health at risk?
If it’s been a while since you’ve thought about your heart health, this is your gentle nudge. If you’d like support getting active safely (spoiler alert: one of the most powerful things you can do to reduce your risk) give us a call or book online to make an appointment with our physiotherapy team. As always, we recommend speaking with your GP about any concerns related to your cardiovascular health, as many risk factors benefit from medical monitoring and management alongside an active lifestyle.
We often think about heart disease as something that happens suddenly – a heart attack out of nowhere, chest pain that appears without warning, or bad luck written into the family tree.
But cardiovascular disease usually builds quietly over time.
Your cardiovascular system includes the heart and blood vessels. It’s responsible for moving oxygen and nutrients around the body, keeping every tissue supplied with what it needs to function. Like any hardworking system, it performs best when it’s consistently looked after.
So what increases the risk of cardiovascular disease?
Blood pressure
High blood pressure means the force of blood pushing against your artery walls stays higher than it should. Over time, that extra pressure can strain both the heart and blood vessels. It often has no obvious symptoms, which is why it’s worth checking regularly.
Which, unfortunately, means your arteries are out here living a full Queen tribute act – “pressure pushing down on me, pressing down on you” – and nobody even asked for the encore.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol itself isn’t the villain – your body actually needs it. But when certain types become too high, plaque can build inside the arteries. This narrows the space blood has to flow through, making the heart work harder.
Smoking
Smoking affects circulation, damages blood vessels, and reduces the oxygen carried in the blood. Even small reductions or quitting later in life can make a meaningful difference to heart health.
Physical inactivity
This is where physios start paying close attention.
Regular movement helps the heart become stronger and more efficient. It can also support healthy blood pressure, cholesterol, weight management, sleep, and stress levels all at once.
That doesn’t mean training for a marathon. (Unless you want to – we’re not going to yuck your yum!) But walking more, climbing stairs, gardening, resistance training, swimming, dancing in the kitchen while dinner cooks – it all counts.
Diabetes
High blood sugar can damage blood vessels over time, increasing the risk of cardiovascular complications. Managing diabetes well can reduce that load on the heart.
Stress, sleep, and lifestyle habits
Heart health isn’t only about exercise or food. Poor sleep, chronic stress, excess alcohol, and long stretches of sitting can all contribute over time.
The good news? Small changes add up.
As physiotherapists, we often work with people on movement because movement is one of the most practical and powerful tools we have. Not because exercise needs to be extreme – but because it can be realistic, consistent, and tailored to your body.
If getting started feels overwhelming, you don’t have to figure it out alone. book online or call to make an appointment. We can help you find a safe and sustainable way to move for your long-term health. If you have any existing cardiovascular risk factors or concerns, it’s worth checking in with your GP first so we can work together to support your health safely.
And if you’d like more practical health tips, follow us on social media; we’re on Facebook and Instagram.
